Satellite wrap –

net1

SES Global is reported to have signed a number of deals with broadcasters looking to reserve capacity for new channels ahead of analogue switch-off in the UK, now expected in 2012. Channel 4 has signed an €80m deal for a payload which could support up to 14 channels to be broadcast in the clear on Astra 2D. ITV and NTL have also recently signed up with the satellite provider for capacity on Astra. Austrian public broadcaster ORF has taken an extra transponder of capacity from SES-Astra at the 19.2° East. Sweden-based satellite operator NSAB has signed an agreement with Euro1080 to broadcast the latter’s main HD channel (now renamed HD1) via the Sirius satellite platform to the Nordic and Baltic regions, starting in October. SES-Astra has contracted to take 24 C-band transponders – all the capacity covering Africa and Europe – on SES-Americom subsidiary Worldsat’s forthcoming Worldsat-2 satellite. The move signals Astra’s intention to develop the West African market. Spanish media giant Prisa has increased its stake in pay-TV operator Sogecable to 24%, matching the stake held by telecom operator Telefónica.

IAN ROBINSON

Hi NET1. Do you have rough dates as to when ITV and Channel 4 are going to broadcast in the clear?

net1

Hi Ian,
According to some reports it could be the 2nd week in October but this has yet to be confirmed.
Net1